Each year, fewer and fewer university students in Japan succeed in finding a full-time job before graduation. Because of low graduate employment rates, many former university students are forced to take up part-time work as they continue their quest for full-time employment. On the bright side, there seems to be plenty of odd jobs to go around in Japan and many of them are literally odd.

We’ve already reported on “cuddle cafe” workers, a career censoring genitalia, and a job scouting potential vending machine locations. Take a look at three more bizarre part-time jobs in Japan that you can apply for right now.

Wanted: Short, child-faced male

Adult video (AV) producer Deep’s is currently accepting applications for a role in their newest dirty flick. Nothing too unusual there until you take a look at the qualifications: Child-faced male under 160 cm or over 160 cm with a short build. Application deadline is Jan 17 at 7 p.m .and filming will take place on Jan 18 and 25. Actor will be paid on the day of filming.

Wanted: Balloon watcher

On the Japanese government employment agency’s online posting site, Hello Work, the Balloon Workshop Corporation is currently listing a job under the description, “Balloon Advertisement Surveillance.” Many department stores and pachinko parlors use giant balloons to advertise their establishment. According to the site, the Balloon Watcher job entails observing balloons to make sure they are properly inflated and in working order. Daily wages range from 5,300 yen to 7,300 yen, depending on working hours. When the weather’s nice and sunny, this looks to be a cushy job where you can just sit back and gaze at the clouds.

Wanted: Fake wedding guest

Dairi, a wedding planning company, listed a job asking applicants to simply attend a wedding ceremony in order to liven up the atmosphere and make it appear as if there are more guests. Part-time workers/fake wedding guests are even allowed to eat dinner and receive a wedding favor, in addition to getting paid a salary. Not just anyone can apply (applicants are expected to possess common knowledge of society and proper manners, etc.), but for those who do qualify, 10,000 yen to 15,000 yen isn’t bad for dressing up, eating delicious food, and receiving a gift.

15 Comments

fake wedding guest hu? That's really just sad and not on for a REAL wedding. When I wed my wife, we had no guests. Small private ceremony. You eighter have your family and friends, or simply go alone. Nothing wrong with that. but fake wedding guests?? oh that's cold!

Each year, fewer and fewer university students in Japan succeed in finding a full-time job before graduation.

Is that surprising?

In a depressingly large number of cases, a Japanese student who has graduated a four year university course is glib (atama dekachi), in that he can memorise pages of information, but has no judgement or ability to apply, and is therefore difficult to train. He has no knowledge or skills that would benefit him in the work place, and lacks initiative, drive and energy.

Having hired a person as a full time employee, with Japanese labour laws, it's very difficult to get rid of him. Full time employees also demand other benefits than the salary, such as bonuses, salary increases, pension plans, etc.

It therefore makes more sense for a company to employ part-time workers that they can hire and fire at will.